Exploring the Health Effects of Low Sugar vs. Low Fat Diets
Low Sugar or Low Grease Part 2 Hello, I happen to have two types of people around me. One type does not enjoy drinking beverages (or drinks tea without sugar) but does not mind eating fried foods, such as salt and pepper chicken. The other type is quite the opposite; they enjoy d...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Consuming excessive sugary beverages can easily lead to obesity, which is also related to abnormal glucose metabolism. Additionally, there are many issues concerning food additives, so it is important to be mindful of obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal and liver probl...[Read More] Exploring the Health Effects of Low Sugar vs. Low Fat Diets
Understanding Health Supplements: Risks and Considerations for Smokers
Questions about health supplements? Hello, thank you for your previous response. I would like to ask a few questions about health supplements. I usually take B vitamins, probiotics, lutein, and fish oil, and my family also takes them. However, I recently read that "taking lu...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, regarding lutein and vitamin A, the main concern is their competitive absorption, so it is not recommended to take both in high doses simultaneously. Additionally, some early studies have linked vitamin A to lung cancer in smokers, but these studies involved high doses and...[Read More] Understanding Health Supplements: Risks and Considerations for Smokers
Managing Fetal Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Tips for Expecting Mothers
Weight Control for Pregnant Women and Fetal Development Hello, before I got pregnant, I weighed 48 kg. During my prenatal check-up on June 17, my weight was 57 kg. The baby's weight was 1900 grams. On July 1, during my check-up (around 35 weeks), my weight was 56.7 kg, and t...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Based on your description, it seems that there aren't many calories, but during the later stages of pregnancy, the growth rate of the fetus is indeed rapid. Besides your dietary habits and activity level, the fetus's absorption and growth status are inherently di...[Read More] Managing Fetal Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Tips for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Clear Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
There is a transparent substance with a fishy odor during bowel movements? Hello, doctor: Sometimes I feel discomfort in my stomach and need to go to the bathroom, but I don't necessarily have a lot of bowel movements. Instead, I often pass some clear, watery substance that ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! I'm not sure about your eating situation. I recommend that you visit a gastroenterologist for a clearer assessment. This is a response from Dietitian Tsai Hsiu-Wen at Nantou Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Clear Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Nutrition Questions: Balancing Diet, Fiber Intake, and Weight Loss
Questions about diet? Hello, I apologize for the lengthy questions and descriptions. In high school, I had a very picky diet primarily consisting of fast food (even with hamburgers, I only ate the meat, bread, and cheese). I completely avoided vegetables except for dumplings, and...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Based on your height, your ideal weight is approximately 63.5 kg +/- 6 kg. To achieve a daily intake of 25 grams of dietary fiber, you need to consume more than 300 grams of vegetables daily, along with two servings of fruit, and include whole grain staples such as brown r...[Read More] Nutrition Questions: Balancing Diet, Fiber Intake, and Weight Loss
Why Sleeping on Your Stomach Causes Uncomfortable Burping
Sleeping on your stomach can cause you to experience air burps? When I sleep on my stomach (face down), I feel very uncomfortable in my chest, and when I wake up, I tend to burp excessively, even though my mouth is closed. I've experienced this since I was a child, and I fin...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The most common cause of hiccups is gastric distension, which can occur due to overeating, consuming carbonated beverages, or swallowing air (such as talking while eating). Other factors, such as sudden changes in environmental or gastrointestinal temperature, excessive sm...[Read More] Why Sleeping on Your Stomach Causes Uncomfortable Burping
Why Am I Slim but Have a Big Belly? Understanding Body Fat Distribution
I am thin, yet I have a large belly? Hello, doctor. I have read the previous articles and searched online for methods and articles about losing belly fat, but I still have some doubts and hope you can help me clarify. I am a person with a lean body, standing at 175 cm and weighin...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Actually, abdominal circumference is not necessarily all fat, but the abdomen is indeed the hardest area to exercise. Prolonged sitting without activity can easily lead to fat accumulation in the abdominal area! Generally speaking, if subcutaneous fat can be pinched into a...[Read More] Why Am I Slim but Have a Big Belly? Understanding Body Fat Distribution
Is Ruo Yuan Pill a Food or a Drug? Understanding Its Use for Digestive Health
Is Yuan Dan classified as a food or a drug? I have digestive issues and I'm considering buying Ruo Yuan tablets. Could you please tell me if it is a food product or a medication? If it is a food product, can I take it every day? If it is a medication, I assume I shouldn'...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Currently, Ruo Yuan tablets have a drug registration number because they were initially applied under the specifications for pharmaceuticals before the regulations for health supplements were standardized. This includes considerations for dosage and safety. Since they are ...[Read More] Is Ruo Yuan Pill a Food or a Drug? Understanding Its Use for Digestive Health
Do Probiotics in the Gut Get Lost Due to Daily Bowel Movements?
Will beneficial bacteria in the gut be lost due to bowel movements? I take intestinal probiotics daily to support my stomach (since I have digestive issues), and I have been doing so for over a month. However, I have reduced the dosage; for example, if the packaging recommends ta...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! When dealing with gastrointestinal issues, it's important to treat the underlying cause. Probiotics are primarily concerned with the possibility of being destroyed by stomach acid before reaching the intestines, so there's no need to worry about them being expell...[Read More] Do Probiotics in the Gut Get Lost Due to Daily Bowel Movements?
Essential Nutrients for Tech Workers: A Guide for Women
How to supplement nutrition (for the tech industry work schedule) For individuals working in the tech industry with long hours, irregular sleep patterns, and occasional sleep deprivation, it's important to focus on a balanced intake of essential nutrients. For women, the fol...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Essentially, the most important nutrients are the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These are the primary nutrients that impact health. When there is a significant imbalance in these three macronutrients (for example, if one primarily consumes staple...[Read More] Essential Nutrients for Tech Workers: A Guide for Women
Healthy Eating Tips for Moms: Managing Weight and Health Issues
To ensure mother's health? My mother is 63 years old, 158 cm tall, weighs 80 kg, and has a waist circumference of over 90 cm. She has large and fatty thighs, abdominal obesity, and has been diagnosed with hypertension for which she has been taking diuretics prescribed by her...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Based on your description, it is understood that due to currently low activity levels, central obesity is easily developed. For hypertension and osteoporosis, in addition to dietary control, lifestyle changes play a significant role. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust ...[Read More] Healthy Eating Tips for Moms: Managing Weight and Health Issues
Diet Tips for Underweight Diabetic Patients on a Vegan Diet
Hello, I would like to ask about the diet for patients with diabetes? Dear Nutritionist, I have a family member of a diabetic patient who is currently taking antidiabetic medication. She follows a strict vegan diet and is underweight (height 150 cm, weight 35 kg, BMI 15). I woul...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Regarding dietary considerations for diabetes, it is important to maintain a balanced diet. For vegetarians, it is recommended to substitute fish and meat with eggs and legumes. For a person who is 150 cm tall and weighs 35 kg, the daily caloric intake should be approximat...[Read More] Diet Tips for Underweight Diabetic Patients on a Vegan Diet
Effective Weight Loss Strategies for College Students with High BMI
I want to lose weight? I have measured my BMI and it is 28, which classifies me as obese. I have always wanted to lose weight, but I often feel powerless to do so. As I get older, my metabolism slows down, and I am afraid I won't be able to lose weight. My biggest concern is...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, Ziyu! Eating out is currently the biggest dietary issue, but there are solutions. The school should provide three meals a day, which typically include vegetables. However, the cooking methods may be a bit greasy. I recommend filling your plate to about 80% with rice and in...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies for College Students with High BMI
Targeting Belly Fat: Effective Strategies Without Losing Weight
I just want to lose belly fat? I actually don't consider myself overweight; in fact, some people say I'm quite thin, but I have a big belly. I've heard that exercise can burn fat, but I'm afraid that full-body workouts will make me even thinner. Is there any w...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello Jenny! Generally speaking, controlling caloric intake can reduce fat accumulation. However, the body cannot selectively burn fat from specific areas or retain fat in certain places. You can focus on abdominal exercises to increase muscle mass, which can make it more difficu...[Read More] Targeting Belly Fat: Effective Strategies Without Losing Weight
Nutrition Tips for Breast Cancer Survivors: Diet, Supplements, and More
Diet for Breast Cancer Hello, Doctor: My mother is currently 60 years old. Last year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and has completed her surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. She is currently taking Raloxifene and would like some dietary advice from a nutritionist...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello Peggy! Indeed, the information available online can be quite confusing! Your diligent search for information shows your effort, and it’s commendable that you recognize the importance of verifying the accuracy of online information, which reflects your caution. 1. The rate...[Read More] Nutrition Tips for Breast Cancer Survivors: Diet, Supplements, and More
Do Digestive Health Supplements Work with Irregular Use?
Medications for promoting gut health and appetite stimulation? Are over-the-counter products like X-Ming or Ruo-X tablets, which are designed to support gut health, effective only when taken continuously? If I only remember to take them occasionally, sometimes with a gap of 3 to ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Products like probiotics primarily aim to increase beneficial gut flora. When there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut, it can lead to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. As beneficial bacteria increase, harmful bacteria will relatively decre...[Read More] Do Digestive Health Supplements Work with Irregular Use?
Why Is One Side of My Belly More Protruded Than the Other?
The sides of the abdomen are unevenly protruding? I looked down at my abdomen and noticed that the area to the right of my navel is more protruded than the left. Why is that? Is it due to uneven fat distribution?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! It is recommended that you visit the surgical outpatient clinic for an examination. Generally, fat distribution is uniform and should not have significant localized protrusions. It is better to consult a surgeon for a professional evaluation. This message is brought to you...[Read More] Why Is One Side of My Belly More Protruded Than the Other?
Understanding Diabetes Risk: Family History and Nutrition Insights
There are two or more family members with diabetes? Hello, my question is as follows: My grandmother has diabetes, and my father and uncle also have diabetes. Does this mean that my risk of developing diabetes is also very high?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! In the case of type 2 diabetes, if one parent has diabetes, the probability of their children developing diabetes is 20%. If both parents have diabetes, the probability increases to 40-50%. In addition to genetic factors, other influencing factors include obesity, excessiv...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk: Family History and Nutrition Insights
Essential Supplements for Managing Acid Reflux and Anemia
What nutritional supplements should be taken for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello, nutritionist: I heard that for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it's important to supplement with B vitamins, vitamin C, and probiotics. Since I am vegetarian, anemic, and ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! It is easier to experience a deficiency in vitamin B12 when following a vegetarian diet. As for vitamin C, if you consume an adequate amount of vegetables and fruits, you should not be significantly deficient. Probiotics can be beneficial for individuals with Helicobacter ...[Read More] Essential Supplements for Managing Acid Reflux and Anemia
Understanding Long-Term Bowel Issues: Insights and Dietary Impact
Long-term bowel movement issues? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your enthusiastic response to my previous question. Some doctors have simply referred me to a gastroenterologist without addressing my concerns, but I appreciate your patience in listening to my issues. I previously un...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! You mentioned that the food consumed the previous day directly affects the characteristics of bowel movements. Therefore, I recommend that regardless of what you eat, you should ensure an adequate intake of dietary fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. Regarding the mucus-...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Bowel Issues: Insights and Dietary Impact